Discovering the Brain

Discovering the Brain
Author: National Academy of Sciences
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 195
Release: 1992-01-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309045290

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."

Understanding the Human Mind

Understanding the Human Mind
Author: John Edward Terrell
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 162
Release: 2020-06-09
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1000093565

Drawing on current research in anthropology, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and the humanities, Understanding the Human Mind explores how and why we, as humans, find it so easy to believe we are right—even when we are outright wrong. Humans live out their own lives effectively trapped in their own mind and, despite being exceptional survivors and a highly social species, our inner mental world is often misaligned with reality. In order to understand why, John Edward Terrell and Gabriel Stowe Terrell suggest current dual-process models of the mind overlook our mind’s most decisive and unpredictable mode: creativity. Using a three-dimensional model of the mind, the authors examine the human struggle to stay in touch with reality—how we succeed, how we fail, and how winning this struggle is key to our survival in an age of mounting social problems of our own making. Using news stories of logic-defying behavior, analogies to famous fictitious characters, and analysis of evolutionary and cognitive psychology theory, this fascinating account of how the mind works is a must-read for all interested in anthropology and cognitive psychology.

From Molecules to Minds

From Molecules to Minds
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 90
Release: 2008-12-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309120926

Neuroscience has made phenomenal advances over the past 50 years and the pace of discovery continues to accelerate. On June 25, 2008, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders hosted more than 70 of the leading neuroscientists in the world, for a workshop titled "From Molecules to Minds: Challenges for the 21st Century." The objective of the workshop was to explore a set of common goals or "Grand Challenges" posed by participants that could inspire and rally both the scientific community and the public to consider the possibilities for neuroscience in the 21st century. The progress of the past in combination with new tools and techniques, such as neuroimaging and molecular biology, has positioned neuroscience on the cusp of even greater transformational progress in our understanding of the brain and how its inner workings result in mental activity. This workshop summary highlights the important issues and challenges facing the field of neuroscience as presented to those in attendance at the workshop, as well as the subsequent discussion that resulted. As a result, three overarching Grand Challenges emerged: How does the brain work and produce mental activity? How does physical activity in the brain give rise to thought, emotion, and behavior? How does the interplay of biology and experience shape our brains and make us who we are today? How do we keep our brains healthy? How do we protect, restore, or enhance the functioning of our brains as we age?

Understanding the Human Mind

Understanding the Human Mind
Author: Jason Browne
Publisher:
Total Pages: 142
Release: 2020-02-27
Genre:
ISBN:

Can Your Thoughts Move a Mountain? The Short Answer Is "Yes!" and Here's How... The power of the human mind is immense if you know how to harness it Do you believe in the myth that we only use 10 percent of our brains? It's time to put that misconception to rest. As humans, we have evolved to use nearly 100 percent of the brain's power. The one thing standing in the way of better thinking and a more powerful ideation process is time. We live in a rushed, fast-paced world. We deal with dozens of things every single day, which keep us from slowing down and taking the time to think. Once you slow down to think, however, you'll discover that you're capable of amazing ideas and creative problem-solving. Exploring your mind goes way beyond the function of your brain. There are outside influences, time constraints and thought patterns resulting from past experiences. In fact, thoughts themselves have the power to change the way in which the human mind works. It all is very complex and scientists are still working to discover exactly how thoughts are born and what goes on inside our bodies when we get creative or analytical. Buddha described the human mind as a group of drunken monkeys, all of them jumping, screeching and chatting. Of all those monkeys, fear is the loudest but it can be tamed through the right practices. So, what does it take to unleash the full potential of your mind and gain control over your thought process? Many think that thoughts are sub-conscious and they appear out of nowhere in our heads. This doesn't have to be the case if you adopt the principles of slow thinking. In Understanding the Human Mind, you will discover: The answer to the million-dollar question: how does the human mind work? Are our thoughts conscious and can we control them? The birth of a thought - where the process starts and how it evolves The importance of slowing down and having more thinking time... And the powerful benefits that slow thinking brings to the table The difference between System 1 and System 2 thinkers (you'll learn how to determine which category you belong to and why it's good to know) The number one way to reduce the risk of making poor or rash decisions A secret that will boost your capability to control emotional urges 6 determining factors that impact our thinking patterns and how to navigate them A step-by-step guide to controlling your thought process The way in which the mind-body connection works and how you can use thoughts to heal yourself And much more! "Observing" your own mind takes time and conscious effort to master. You're so used to the voices in your head that you've probably stopped paying attention to them. Once you start paying attention again, you will learn a ton about your inner dialogue and the factors that lead to the appearance of specific thoughts and actions. There are simple steps you can undertake to become the master of your brain. Ensuring enough thinking time and conscious mind processes happen to be very important. If you want to learn the secrets of better thinking and maximizing your mental strength, scroll up and click the "Add to Cart" button now.

Considerations on the Human Mind

Considerations on the Human Mind
Author: Richard Grattan
Publisher: Forgotten Books
Total Pages: 346
Release: 2017-12-18
Genre: Self-Help
ISBN: 9780484001946

Excerpt from Considerations on the Human Mind: Its Present State, and Future Destination It is probable that this is the case, and that death, or the separation Of the mind from the body, is, as regards the mind, a change of habitation, and nothing more. It is a pleasing change to remove from an Old and badly situated residence, to one more modern, and better constructed; where the grounds are beautifully laid out, and preserved in the best order, and where the air is pure and invigorating. This would, indeed, be a pleasant change for any Of us, but how much more pleasant would it be, if we were certain that our minds, when we die, shall at once be transported to a locality, where splendid residences are already provided for us - where new scenes Of surpassing beauty will be presented to us, for our recreation, and where a society of friends and companions, have made preparations to receive us on our arrival. If we could realize this exchange, how rejoiced we should be, and how much greater ought to be our joy, if we were persuaded that all Our friends and neighbours, and all of our own country, and all the human race, Of every clime and creed, would be partakers, with us, Of this great happiness. Now, it is possible that this may be exactly as we would wish, - that this happiness awaits us, and that all, will be invited, each at his appointed time, to participate in it. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

The Thinker's Guide to the Human Mind

The Thinker's Guide to the Human Mind
Author: Richard Paul
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 47
Release: 2019-06-01
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1538133881

Since all human thoughts are controlled by the mind, understanding our thoughts is essential to personal and societal advancement. The Thinker’s Guide to the Human Mind delves into the core functions of the human mind to allow readers to take charge of their intellect and emotions more effectively. Linda Elder and Richard Paul explore the basic impulses that influence our thoughts and can distract us from logical or ethical action. Exploring the dangers of egocentric and sociocentric thinking, this guide presents strategies for strengthening emotional intelligence and developing critical thinking virtues. As part of the Thinker’s Guide Library, this book advances the mission of the Foundation for Critical Thinking to promote fairminded critical societies through cultivating essential intellectual abilities and virtues within every field of study across the world.

How People Learn

How People Learn
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 386
Release: 2000-08-11
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0309131979

First released in the Spring of 1999, How People Learn has been expanded to show how the theories and insights from the original book can translate into actions and practice, now making a real connection between classroom activities and learning behavior. This edition includes far-reaching suggestions for research that could increase the impact that classroom teaching has on actual learning. Like the original edition, this book offers exciting new research about the mind and the brain that provides answers to a number of compelling questions. When do infants begin to learn? How do experts learn and how is this different from non-experts? What can teachers and schools do-with curricula, classroom settings, and teaching methodsâ€"to help children learn most effectively? New evidence from many branches of science has significantly added to our understanding of what it means to know, from the neural processes that occur during learning to the influence of culture on what people see and absorb. How People Learn examines these findings and their implications for what we teach, how we teach it, and how we assess what our children learn. The book uses exemplary teaching to illustrate how approaches based on what we now know result in in-depth learning. This new knowledge calls into question concepts and practices firmly entrenched in our current education system. Topics include: How learning actually changes the physical structure of the brain. How existing knowledge affects what people notice and how they learn. What the thought processes of experts tell us about how to teach. The amazing learning potential of infants. The relationship of classroom learning and everyday settings of community and workplace. Learning needs and opportunities for teachers. A realistic look at the role of technology in education.